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climbing plants for trees

Looking to add depth and vertical interest to your garden? Choosing the right climbing plants for trees can transform both native and ornamental landscapes here in New Zealand. Climbing plants create intriguing layers of colour, texture, and life, often supporting local wildlife in the process. Whether your trees are mature or newly planted, well-chosen climbers can soften trunks, fill shade or sun, and even bloom spectacularly. With so many options available, finding the best climbing plants for trees is a rewarding way to enhance your garden’s beauty and biodiversity.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It produces striking tulip shaped yellow green flowers with orange markings in late spring to early summer. This elegant tree is perfect for smaller gardens or avenues where space is limited but dramatic height and seasonal interest are desired.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Japanese, Modern
Moss pole for plants.

Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and stronger as they climb the poles, and are ideal for training climbing, indoor plants. The nursery industry commonly uses these poles for Philodendron, Pothos, and Monstera plants as a few examples. They are available in 50 cm and 100 cm lengths.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$20.01
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
chlorophytum-curly--2
Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$22.01
helichrysum-petiolare--3
Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) is a popular evergreen plant valued for its soft silver foliage and trailing growth habit. The attractive...

From$24.77
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$387.55
sorbus-scarlet-king-
Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$387.55
sansevieria-hahnii-
Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$32.95
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$19.95
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1
Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$270.40
acer-princeton-gold-
Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$349.95
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$557.95
aechmea-fasciata-
Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$44.09
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1
Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$515.35
magnolia-deryk-2
Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$387.55
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

Our tree guards and plant shelters are bio-degradable products that are perfect for using in riparian areas and other exposed positions. They are...

From$5.00
pb-18-planter-bags-
PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$77.47
pb-12-planter-bags-
PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$57.76
magnolia-margaret-helen-
Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$387.55
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
jute-tree-tie-1
Jute Tree Tie

The Jute Tree Tie is non-abrasive and very popular because it wont cause tree damage. The 50 mm wide fabric is heavy duty and designed to support...

From$64.67
cloth-tree-tie-
Cloth Tree Tie

These soft ties are used for trees, tomatoes, and other plants you wish to keep securely fastened without causing any damage to the plant. Each roll...

From$9.28
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-
Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$13.40
pear-doyenne-du-comice-semi-dwarf-2
Pear Doyenne du Comice (Comice Pear Tree)

The Comice pear tree (Pyrus communis Doyenne du Comice) is regarded as having the best flavour of all the pear varieties. It bears green skinned...

From$340.69
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Aechmea, Beilschmiedia, Carex, Cedrela, Chlorophytum, Dacrydium, Helichrysum, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Mint, Monstera, Pear, Sansevieria, Sedum, Sorbus Stromanthe and Ulmus, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Tree ties, General Garden Fertiliser, Moss Poles, Planter Bags, Plant Guards, Spades, Pear Trees, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search climbing plants for trees

Why Plant Climbers Around Trees?

Introducing climbing plants for trees has multiple benefits. Many climbers naturally scramble up trunks and boughs, bringing colour and fragrance to otherwise bare spaces. Vines and creepers help shade roots, encourage pollinators, and attract birds. Some are evergreen for year-round appeal; others are deciduous, giving vibrant displays through spring, summer, and autumn.

Careful selection is crucial—avoid overly aggressive climbers that may overwhelm or damage tree bark. Instead, look for species designed to co-exist with trees, providing harmony without competition. The key is matching your climber’s growth rate and habit with your tree’s size and temperament.

Top Climbing Plants for Trees

Classic climbers for trees in NZ gardens include Clematis, climbing roses, and native options like Parsonsia (NZ Jasmine). Clematis varieties offer dramatic floral colour and are gentle enough for most garden trees. Climbing roses, meanwhile, bring old-fashioned blooms and a touch of romance, especially when twining through mature trees like the Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree).

Native Parsonsia is shade-tolerant, attracts birds, and remains manageable. For shade, try Vinca minor or Bergenia echoing lush groundcover. The Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant) makes an excellent companion, thriving at the tree’s base and blending seamlessly with climbers above.

Planting and Supporting Climbers

When establishing climbing plants for trees, ensure young vines are guided gently up the trunk or lower branches. Some may need a bit of help early on: a Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants) is perfect for training climbers, providing sturdy support and encouraging upright growth before the plant naturally attaches to the tree.

Plant at least 30cm from the base of the trunk to protect roots and prevent moisture competition. Mulch well. Monitor for pests or disease, and prune annually to keep the climber contained.

Alternatives and Companion Planting

If your space or tree type isn’t suited for a traditional climber, wide-leaved perennials such as Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant) can provide lush groundcover. Indoor favourites—including Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant) and Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)—inspire similar effects around container-grown trees or shaded patios.

Create Height and Harmony

With thoughtful choices and care, climbing plants for trees bring vertical drama, flower and foliage, and ecological value to your home garden. Whether you’re greening up a tall native, framing a flowering specimen, or adding wildlife-friendly layers, climbers are essential tools in any gardener’s palette. Explore our top selections and companion products for a thriving, interconnected landscape.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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